I still remember the first time I walked into the UP Fighting Maroons' training facility last season - the energy was electric, but what struck me most was seeing rookie Faye Pangilinan working on her free throws long after practice had ended. There's something special happening with this team, and it all starts with the unique blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent that makes up this season's roster. When I spoke with Coach Goldwin Monteverde last week, he mentioned how Pangilinan's journey mirrors the team's own transformation - "She found her new family in red and black, just as our program is building its own identity separate from traditional powerhouses."
Let me break down what makes this year's squad so fascinating. We've got returning stars like Carl Tamayo, who averaged 14.2 points per game last season, and JD Cagulangan, whose buzzer-beater against La Salle last March still gives me chills when I rewatch it. These veterans form the core that'll carry the team through tough UAAP matches. But what's really got fans talking are the new additions - particularly Pangilinan, who's bringing this incredible energy that's contagious. I watched her during the preseason tournament, and there's this moment I can't forget - after missing three consecutive shots, she didn't get discouraged. Instead, she high-fived her teammates, stole the ball on the next possession, and scored an and-one. That's the kind of mentality this team needs.
The roster construction this year feels more balanced than last season's 12-6 squad. We've got size with the 6'7" Tamayo and 6'5" Malick Diouf, but what impresses me is the guard depth. Cagulangan runs the point like a seasoned conductor, but when he needs rest, we've got Gerry Abadiano who can step in without missing a beat. I've tracked their practice sessions, and the second unit's intensity matches the starters - something we haven't seen in previous seasons. Remember last year when our bench only contributed about 15 points per game? This season, I'm projecting that number to jump to at least 25, maybe even 30.
What really stands out to me about this group is their chemistry. During their team building session last month that I was privileged to observe, you could see genuine connections forming. Pangilinan told me about finding "comfort and solace with a new family right behind her - a red-and-black one rather than the blue-and-gold," and that sentiment echoes throughout the roster. These players aren't just teammates; they've built something closer to a brotherhood. When Tamayo went down with that ankle sprain during practice last week, three different players helped him to the training room without being asked. That's the culture Coach Monteverde has been building.
Looking at the schedule ahead, I'm particularly excited about the backcourt combinations. Cagulangan and Abadiano could form one of the most dynamic guard duos we've seen in recent UAAP history. Their playing styles complement each other beautifully - Cagulangan's flashy playmaking paired with Abadiano's steady shooting creates nightmares for opposing defenses. In their scrimmage against the alumni team last Saturday, they combined for 18 assists with only 3 turnovers. If they can maintain that 6:1 assist-to-turnover ratio during the actual season, we're looking at a championship-caliber backcourt.
The big men deserve more attention than they're getting. Diouf's improvement from last season is remarkable - his mid-range jumper looks smoother, and his defensive timing has improved dramatically. During one sequence I witnessed, he blocked two consecutive shots, then sprinted the floor for an alley-oop dunk. That kind of two-way impact is what separates good teams from great ones. Meanwhile, Tamayo has added some post moves to his arsenal. His footwork in the paint reminds me of a young June Mar Fajardo - not quite there yet, but the potential is undeniable.
What many casual fans might miss is the strategic flexibility this roster provides. Unlike last year where we relied heavily on our starting five, Coach Monteverde can now experiment with different lineups. I've seen them run small-ball units with Tamayo at center, and they've been surprisingly effective. Against teams with traditional big men, they can go big with both Tamayo and Diouf. This versatility will be crucial during the elimination round where adaptability often determines who advances to the Final Four.
As the season approaches, I keep thinking about that transformation Pangilinan mentioned - finding a new family in red and black. That's exactly what this team has done. They've created an identity that's uniquely theirs, built on mutual trust and relentless effort. While other teams might have more star power on paper, what UP has is something rarer - genuine cohesion. Will that be enough to bring home the championship? Only time will tell, but I've got a feeling we're in for something special this season. The pieces are there, the chemistry is palpable, and the hunger is undeniable. This isn't just another basketball team - it's a family ready to fight for each other every single game.
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